4th Virtual Sjogren's Summit 2025

What is it really like to be in a clinical trial for a new Sjogren's medication? What are the tests like? What's the time commitment? And is it worth it?In this unique and candid roundtable discussion, Dr. Kara Wada is joined by fellow community member and Sjogren's patient Janet Steins to share their personal, lived experiences as participants in the same clinical trial. They pull back the curtain on the entire process...

What does ambition look like when you're living with a chronic condition? How do you build a vibrant life and career when your body requires you to work smarter, not harder?In this candid and inspiring fireside chat, Dr. Kara Wada sits down with internationally recognized patient advocate and entrepreneur, Lilly Stairs. Lilly shares her personal story of being diagnosed with three autoimmune diseases at age 19 and the "identity qua...

Caregivers often struggle to remain empathetic and compassionate without becoming depleted and overwhelmed, leading to guilt, resentment, and burnout. But it doesn't have to be this way.In this deeply compassionate and practical session, palliative care physician and caregiver educator Dr. Delia Chiaramonte offers a lifeline to those supporting a loved one with Sjogren's. She teaches you the single most important concept fo...

Do you ever leave a doctor's appointment feeling rushed, unheard, or more confused than when you arrived? The emotional toll of dismissal and confusing medical jargon can leave Sjogren's patients feeling powerless and too stunned to speak up. This session is designed to change that.Join Board Certified Patient Advocate, author, and fellow Sjogren's patient Kristina Kelly as she shares her top 10 communication "hack...

Do you ever leave a doctor's appointment feeling rushed, unheard, or more confused than when you arrived? The emotional toll of dismissal and confusing medical jargon can leave Sjogren's patients feeling powerless and too stunned to speak up. This session is designed to change that.Join Board Certified Patient Advocate, author, and fellow Sjogren's patient Kristina Kelly as she shares her top 10 communication "hack...

Autoimmune conditions and their symptoms are often exacerbated by trauma and stress. While we are often taught to internalize our emotions and stress, this can lead to self-criticism that only fuels the fire.In this compassionate and insightful session, Oral Medicine Clinician and Trauma-Informed Coach Dr. Jillian Rigert explores the critical link between stress, trauma, and immune system dysregulation. She explains the difference ...

What if the patient you see as "difficult" is actually traumatized? For many living with Sjogren's, years of medical dismissal, normal lab results despite debilitating symptoms, and being told "it's all in your head" can create significant medical trauma.In this essential session, Child Trauma Response Specialist and Sjogren's patient Elise Colquitt bridges her two worlds to offer a masterclass in tr...

What if the patient you see as "difficult" is actually traumatized? For many living with Sjogren's, years of medical dismissal, normal lab results despite debilitating symptoms, and being told "it's all in your head" can create significant medical trauma.In this essential session, Child Trauma Response Specialist and Sjogren's patient Elise Colquitt bridges her two worlds to offer a masterclass in tr...

What if your doctor's visit wasn't limited to 15 minutes? What if your care team truly communicated with each other? What if your lived experience was valued as much as your lab results?In this powerhouse roundtable discussion, Dr. Kara Wada brings together three pioneering physicians who have all stepped outside the traditional insurance-based system to build something better. Join Dr. Bonnie Feldman, Dr. Brittany Panico, ...

If you're living with Sjogren's, you know that profound and debilitating fatigue is one of the most common complaints. But what if the key to better energy isn't just about managing your condition, but radically improving your sleep?In this comprehensive session, board-certified sleep medicine specialist Dr. Nishi Bhopal walks you through "Sleep 101." She explains why sleep is the foundation for good health, t...

When living with a chronic autoimmune condition, we are often told to "fight" it or "conquer" it to live a full life. But what if, instead, we learned to truly thrive with our conditions by riding the waves of uncertainty with more grace?In this transformative session, occupational therapist and rheumatoid arthritis patient Cheryl Crow introduces "The Acceptance Paradox." She explains how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) hel...

This session offers an introduction to yoga therapy—what it is, how it differs from a typical yoga class, and why it can be especially supportive for individuals living with Sjögren’s Syndrome. Rooted in accessible, therapeutic practices, this approach blends gentle movement, breathwork, and mindfulness to address common symptoms like fatigue, joint pain, dryness, and emotional stress.

When you're living with an Energy-Limit...

What does ambition look like when you're living with a chronic condition? How do you build a vibrant life and career when your body requires you to work smarter, not harder?In this candid and inspiring fireside chat, Dr. Kara Wada sits down with internationally recognized patient advocate and entrepreneur, Lilly Stairs. Lilly shares her personal story of being diagnosed with three autoimmune diseases at age 19 and the "ide...

What if you could carry a tool with you, anytime and anywhere, that could calm your nervous system, lower stress, and help you manage the overwhelm of chronic illness?In this experiential and evidence-based session, physician and Master Coach Dr. Dympna Weil introduces you to the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), also known as "tapping." She explains the simple yet powerful science of how combining gentle tapping on acup...

For many with Sjogren's, severe dry eye can make wearing eye makeup feel impossible, leading to irritation, inflammation, and pain. But does it have to be this way?In this informative and practical session, board-certified ophthalmologist and dry eye specialist Dr. Diane Hilal-Campo breaks down the science behind Sjogren's-related dry eye disease. She explains the difference between aqueous deficient and evaporative dry eye...

An astonishing 84% of people living with Sjogren's reported using some form of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) in the past year. But what exactly are they using, why are they using it, and is it safe?In this research-focused presentation, pharmacist and Senior Lecturer James Barlow shares the results of a comprehensive survey on CAM usage among Sjogren's patients. He defines what "integrative" medicin...

This session offers an introduction to yoga therapy—what it is, how it differs from a typical yoga class, and why it can be especially supportive for individuals living with Sjögren’s Syndrome. Rooted in accessible, therapeutic practices, this approach blends gentle movement, breathwork, and mindfulness to address common symptoms like fatigue, joint pain, dryness, and emotional stress.

Join Certified Yoga Therapist and Sjogren&#...

Could the food you eat be triggering your Sjogren's flares? And more importantly, can food be used as medicine to calm them down?In this practical and science-backed session, quadruple board-certified integrative rheumatologist and autoimmune patient, Dr. Micah Yu, breaks down the fundamentals of an anti-inflammatory diet for Sjogren's. He explains why certain foods can trigger inflammation, which foods help fight it, and w...

"Men don't get Sjögren's." "You're just anxious." "There are no treatments anyway." What happens when a firefighter, a dad, and a previously healthy man is dismissed by the very system he trusts?In this powerful and inspiring session, Gavin Marshall shares his personal journey from a frustrating, years-long struggle for a diagnosis to founding a national patient advocacy organization. Hear the raw details of being dismissed by mult...